February 17, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

MERRILL FIRST RESPONDERS RESCUE MAN STRANDED IN ICY WISCONSIN RIVER

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL WISCONSIN RIVER ICE RESCUE

Monday morning at approximately 10:45 am, the Merrill Fire Department Team responded to the report of a male patient falling through the ice on the Wisconsin River just below the Alexander Hydro Dam. The individual was found to be stranded on the island near the Dam. Through the use of a Rapid Deployment Craft, Firefighters successfully reached the victim and brought him safely back to shore. Also removed for the victim were his sled and ice shanty. Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff also assisted with the rescue efforts.

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 15

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026 Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 62 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 281. There were 53 EMS calls. There was a report of an odor of gas Tuesday on North Ohio Street in the City of Merrill.

NORTHERN SECTION OF US HIGHWAY 51 TO CLOSE IN APRIL FOR CONSTRUCTION

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026 Steve DillonUS 51 APRIL CONSTRUCTION

In a statement released Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that closures and detours will be put in place on US Highway 51 in Lincoln and Oneida Counties this spring before Memorial Day. The project scope includes the area between US Highway 8 and the Bearskin Bridge near County Road L in Oneida County. Motorists will be detoured along US 8 and Wisconsin Highway 47. The work focuses on concrete pavement repair and asphalt resurfacing, along with bridge repairs. NOTE: This project is NOT connected with the proposed roundabout…

LINCOLN COUNTY TRAILS IN ZONES 2, 3 AND 4 TEMPORARILY CLOSED, HIAWATHA TRAIL REMAINS OPEN

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026 Steve DillonSNOWMOBILE TRAIL UPDATE

Effective yesterday, Lincoln County Officials announced that all County Administrated Trails in Zones 2,3 and 4 are temporarily CLOSED. The Hiawatha Trail remains open. Riders are also advised that not all Snowmobile Trails are open to Winter ATV use. A trail map that contains details confirming specific access can be found in the Recreation section of the Lincoln County website. Winter ATV use on is not permitted when temps reach greater than 28°F. Trails in Zone 1 remain in good condition, though there are rough and icy stretches with minimal…